The Jury Award is in recognition of the exceptional quality and diversity of gay and lesbian German films in this year's Berlinale. Beginning with the inspiring selection of
Aimee & Jaguar (1999) the first lesbian film to open the Berlinale; to
Lola and Billy the Kid (1999), a demanding look at the Turkish gay immigrant experience; to
Gendernauts: A Journey Through Shifting Identities (1999), a thorough examination of transgender identity, as well as the comedic short films
Runt (1999) and _NY 'NY 'n Why Not (1999)_, these five German films brilliantly represent the gay and lesbian community and the talent of German film-makers on the world stage. On behalf of these German films in this year's festival the Jury asks Wieland Speck, director of Panorama, to accept this award.
